OBITUARY

John "Jack" Edward Krings

April 2, 1930 – March 7, 2014

Jack Krings took his last flight on Friday, March 7, 2014. Just as he lived his life, Jack fought complications from Myelodysplastic Syndrome with dignity, courage and tenacity. His life was one of accomplishment, service to his country and love of his family.

The Honorable John Edward Krings was recognized as a national leader in evaluation defense and aviation systems and an international consultant on modernization, evaluation and introduction of new aviation technologies. Mr. Krings was appointed by President Reagan as the First Director of Operational Test & Evaluation, at the level of Assistant Secretary of Defense. In this role, Mr. Krings worked directly for the Secretary of Defense and the Congress, and was a member of the Defense Resources Board and the Defense Acquisition Board. He evaluated and reported independently to the Secretary of Defense and the Congress (to include Caspar Weinberger, Frank Carlucci and Dick Cheney) on all major weapons systems operational test results regarding effectiveness and suitability. It was with regret that then President Bush accepted Mr. Krings’ resignation with the following words: “As the first Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, you had the difficult task of setting the course. You have often said your allegiance was to the soldier, sailor, Marine and airman. You served them well, insuring that systems procured are adequately tested and proven effective for combat. You set a tone of objectivity and discipline that will be a standard for those to follow. Through your independence and the challenges you overcame, you established a legacy which will benefit the country well into the future.”

Prior to the Pentagon, Jack amassed 30 years’ experience in aerospace design, engineering, testing, marketing and management with McDonnell Douglas Corporation. Jack joined McDonnell in 1956 as an engineer then progressed from production test pilot to experimental pilot to Chief Test Pilot and Director of Flight Operations. He personally invented aircraft systems that are the standard for all contemporary military and emerging civil aircraft. As a pilot at Douglas Aircraft, he flew F-3H Demons and F-101 Voodoo’s. He attended the Navy Test Pilot School while at McDonnell and when he returned participated in the F-4 Phantom development program. Along with the F-4 tests, he helped develop the F-15 Eagle and did the spin tests on the aircraft earning the Society of Experimental Test Pilot “Pilot of the Year” in 1975. The Eagle flew at twice the speed of sound and took off in 200 feet pointing its nose straight up and accelerated to the speed of sound vertically. He acquired unique expertise and experience with unqueried analysis doing these F-15 spin tests and went on to participate in the design and spinning of many contemporary fighter planes. For example, Jack planned and executed significant testing programs for the F-18 and AV-8B Harrier fighters. Jack undertook the maiden flight of the first F-18 Hornet at Lambert Field, St. Louis on November 18, 1978. He was promoted to Chief Test Pilot in 1962. Jack retired from McDonnell Douglas in 1985 having flown fighters continuously for over 30 years.

Jack served our nation for thirteen years as an Air Force and Air National Guard combat ready fighter pilot, test pilot, nuclear weapons expert and operational leader. He was an Air Force fighter pilot from 1952 to 1956 and saw combat in Korea. He was a fighter pilot with the Air National Guard until 1966. He was proud of our country and often wore a United States flag pin in his lapel. In 1989, Jack formed Krings Corporation, a consulting firm in Austin, Texas which had clients that included key executives in the Department of Defense, most prime defense contractors, the FAA and NASA. Since 1989, he has provided expertise ranging from acquisition reform strategy, corporate re-engineering and technical systems develop to test and evaluation integration. With the transformation of our National Defense, Jack became a much sought after consultant with Missile Defense, Information Security, Homeland Defense, and Joint Program Policies and Management. His focus also expanded to include Information Assurance, a critical element in the escalating challenge of cyber-terrorism.

Throughout his life and career, Jack was a man of continuous learning and achieving. His awards and achievements include: Pilot Training – US Air Force; Indiana Air National Guard; Missouri National Guard; US Naval Test Pilot School; F-84 Combat Crew Air Force Training; Pilot US Air Force; Society of Experimental Test Pilots and received the Jimmy H. Doolittle Award for Outstanding Professional Accomplishment in Aerospace, The Iven C Kincheloe Award, and the Ray E. Tenhoff Award for Presentation of the Most Outstanding Paper. He was presented twice with the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service.

Jack was born in Pittsburgh in 1930 and graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1948. Upon receiving a football scholarship, Jack attended Louisiana State University and graduated in 1952 with a B.S. in Chemistry and Physics and a minor in Math.

Jack was loved, respected and admired by many friends, business associates and family members. He was a humble man of great dignity, courtesy and manners and always a delight to be with. He was a warm, engaging gentleman who had a wonderful perspective on life, had great knowledge and wisdom to share. In the words of one friend, “Jack inspired us all to continue to open doors into larger rooms and not smaller.” Another friend has written, “I have never met a greater patriot, nor one who has such eminently practical ideas about how to get things done well. In my opinion, our nation will not soon see another public servant who is his equal.” And from another, “I was always uplifted by his kindness and encouragement.”

Jack is survived by his wife of 27 years, Barbara, and his sons, Kent, Kirk and Joseph Kerry.

Jack was preceded in death by his daughter, Karen, in April 2006.

A visitation and reception for Jack will be from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., Sunday, March 16, 2014 at Cook Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home, located at 6300 W. William Cannon Drive in Austin, Texas. Funeral service will immediately follow at 3:00 p.m. The Celebration of Jack’s life will conclude at a graveside ceremony with full military honors under the auspices of the U.S. Air Force. Those who know Jack will continue to celebrate his life long after this ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Jack to the Leukemia Society, South Central Texas Austin Chapter, 8001 Centre Park Drive, Ste 150, Austin, Texas 78754, (512) 491-6610 or by visiting www.lls.org.

REMEMBERING

John "Jack" Edward Krings

Dear Barbara - I don't know what prompted me to do a search on Jack and learn he passed away last March. I met Jack in the mid - 50s when we both served in the 49th Ftr Bmr Gp under Col. Gil Pritchard. Jack was in the 9th Sq. and I was in the 8th up at Misawa AB, Japan. Jack and I ran into each other later in the mid - 60s when he was in Vietnam to evaluate the F-4 and I was flying them out of Cam Rhan Bay. He was a great pilot and great guy. John (Jack) L. Wagner, Col. USAF (Ret'd).

David Welch

August 2, 2014

Mrs Krings,

You might not remember me, my name is David Welch I met you and your husband while I worked on your Air conditioning unit at your home in Austin. I'm truly saddened by your loss, I remember sitting with Jack and watching the funeral for President Reagan and we discussed his time in his administration, he was one of the most interesting and truly a joy to visit with. I always looked forward to the times that I would come to your wonderful home and was able to visit with both you and yor wonderful husband, discussing his time as a test pilot was always so fascinating. Even though it has been 8 years since I last saw you both I have a heavy heart at the news of his passing. I wish you all the best, God Bless You.

David Welch

July 30, 2014

Barbara,

I am sorry for just now offering my condolences but I had no idea Jack had passed until I "friended" you on Facebook this week and was looking through your timeline.I am so sorry! He was a great man and I was honored to have known him. He helped so much during the last years of your mother. I learned so much from him during our interactions. I am glad that I was able to witness his hole in one when we played golf together at Austin country Club that day.My heart is heavy but I am hoping that he is looking over us from heaven and protecting us as always.

Larry Shumake

Tom Culligan

April 30, 2014

Dear Barbara:

I want to apologize for my lengthy delay in responding to you about Jack's passing. Please forgive my tardiness; but I am finding that I have to develop a rhythm to my retirement and I don't have anyone to keep order in my new life and remind me of things that need to be done!

As you well know, I thought the world of Jack and he was one of the very few who treated me with respect and open arms when I joined McDonnell Douglas in 1981. I well recall my first several trips to St. Louis where I was treated by many of the "lifer's" as if I was a leaper! Jack never did that and made himself and his team available to me to get the job done in the most efficient manner.

When he came to DC, he continued that practice and I appreciated his mentorship over the many years we worked together. He also was one who encouraged me to take a gamble and move to St. Louis and go into general management...at the very time almost every other person told me I would not survive in that environment. He had faith in me and I will always be indebted to him.

I know how much you must miss him. Eileen and I are confident that you will continue on your path forward and will add your enthusiasm to your family and friends lives. Eileen and I have discussed coming to Austin sometime to do a bicycle ride through Texas "Hill" country and we have a nephew who lives in Austin now...so, we have plenty of reasons to call you one day for a lunch or dinner get together!

Sincerely,

April 7, 2014

Barbara- I am so sorry to learn of Jack's passing. I loved reading about his life since he and I shared many Defense/McDonnell Douglas stories when we met at many of your lovely parties and tennis events. I will be reaching out to you.

Valerie Shaw

Ben Farrell

Rick Abell

April 4, 2014

I was honored to know Jack. He was a good man and a credit to his profession. Always choosing the right path to make our Armed Forces better. It was a privilege to know him both professionally and personally.

My deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Betty Brown

March 27, 2014

Barb, thank you so much for letting me know of Jack' passing. My deepest condolences to you and your family. I never met you or Jack except through your Mom who always loved Barb and Jack. I knew since she was such a wonderful cousin that you and Jack just had to be great. I was so right. How right I am just now learning. We so appreciate men who are such wonderful cement that holds this world together and the women who hold them together. We respect and thank all of you for your service to our good ole USA! Love always, Gus Brown family

March 27, 2014

Barbara: Jack was indeed an exceptional person; successful in every endeavor.All of our lives are enriched from knowing him. May God bless is soul.

Curt and Debbie Fisher

Tom Schoonover

March 25, 2014

Barbara, Thanks for the link to this page. It was good to see you the other day and I'm sorry about the awkward moment in the store. You guys were not only great fun people to be around but you always looked like you belonged together. I know you will miss Jack. My condolences to you and his family. Tom

ron yates

March 23, 2014

Barbara,I knew and respected Jack as a pilot, executive, and gentleman. I worked closely with him in the Pentagon and saw him make the right decisions even when they went against the grain. Everyone in Aspenosium respected him and we were delighted when the two of you could join us. We all miss him and many across the aviation industry bemoan his passing. We have lost a great man! God bless you as you make you way through the days ahead. Ron Yates

Sherri Patten

March 20, 2014

Barbara - I'm so sorry to just hear yesterday of Jack's passing. He was an extraordinary gentleman and I know you will have a deep void in your life without his presence. What a service he performed for our country many times over.

John Bolino

March 19, 2014

I worked with Jack when he was in the Pentagon....He was an inspiration to all of us everyday....the Test community has lost a Giant.....

Gary Jennings

March 18, 2014

Jack was my first boss at MDC after coming out of the service and he made the transition so easy. I respected him so much and he treated me as a junior test pilot as an equal, but I knew I had so much to learn. He was a true friend.

John Locke

March 18, 2014

Dear Barbara, Tina and I also mourn Jack's passing. He was an outstanding leader, fighter pilot, test pilot, but most importantly, a true gentleman. The country and the aviation community are poorer for his departure. Both Tina and I wish you comfort and strength in the days ahead and perhaps a measure of solace for Jack certainly led a "life well lived".

March 18, 2014

Dear Barbara, Colin and I are so sorry for your loss. Jack was truly an extraordinary human being! What a lovely video tribute you made honoring his life. Jack was a very lucky man to have someone as special as you watching over him here on earth. His heavenly angels have a lot to live up to. You are in our prayers Barbara. May God give you that peace that passes all understanding. Lots of love, Kathy and Colin Murphy. (Austin Texas)

Paul Metz

March 16, 2014

It seems rare to discover a true "gentleman" in this world but Jack was just that. Our relationship was professional and we connected as test pilots tend to do but he had a way of treating people as equals and was genuinely interested in you as a person. I respected him immensely and will miss that warm smile, firm handshake and the twinkle in his eye. He was one of a kind,

March 16, 2014

Dear Barbara,

We are so sorry for your loss. You and Jack were such a great couple. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sybil and Jim Raney

March 16, 2014

Barbara,It has been a privilege to know Jack. Marina Club will never be the same. Every resident will greatly miss his even handed leadership and guidance. My thoughts have been with you these past several weeks. Robert Freeman

Patty and Parke Davis

March 16, 2014

Dear Barbara,Parke and I have you in our thoughts and prayers. We consider it a pleasure and a privilege to have known and worked with such an extraordinary gentleman. Jack will be missed by many.

March 15, 2014

Barbara,Tom and I have you in our prayers. We are saddened by the loss of Jack, but are glad that we got to know him and share some wonderful memories of you and Jack. Your attendance at our wedding reception given by son, John Hogg, several parties, and just to know such a wonderful man and gentleman are treasures. Janell and Tom Chesnut

Victor & Janis Beck

March 15, 2014

Barbara,

May you and your family find great peace in knowing how loved Jack was to so many. He was truly larger than life. To us he was always engaging, interesting and inspiring. We will miss him greatly.

Love and prayers,Vic and Janis Beck

March 15, 2014

Dear Family of the Honorable John E. (Jack) Krings,

I join with you now in greatly missing this giant of a man. I never imagined a time without Jack. I never imagined that when confronted with a difficult problem, I wouldn't be able to talk to Jack and get the best and wisest solution. I know his loss for you is enormous.

Jack was a "grand master" of aviation, and understood as very few do, all of the government and industry processes that go into developing, flying, testing, producing, selling, buying, and using airplanes. He was a premier pilot and manager in the military aviation industry, directly influencing two of this country's best fighter and attack aircraft. Only a handful of the best pilots fly first flights of flagship aircraft programs. Jack was one of them.

Jack went on to be the first test 'czar' of Operational Test and Evaluation, not ruling by force, but with wisdom and persuasion. He was the foremost spokesman for the flight test community and its role in assuring that aircraft and systems handed over to the pilots performed as intended, and safely. Jack worked tirelessly for the preeminence of the United States of America in military aviation. The rest of us owe lasting gratitude to Jack for that.

Jack acted and talked with a an unmatched level of authority and wisdom. In one personal example, Jack met with a group of us at the NASA Flight Research Center as we started to develop the flight program for the X-31 at Paris. Jack said, "this is how you should fly the demonstration program at Le Bourget ..." He didn't offer options to consider, he had already worked through those in his head. He offered the right solution. We adopted it on the spot. We relied on Jack's counsel for a great many other very important things.

Jack was the consummate gentleman, with a persuasive style that was disarming. He was willing and able to engage with anyone at any level. He showed great respect to everyone, and it was sincere. Jack's clarity in word and action came from an extraordinary clarity of thought, and his drive to make things better, make people and organizations better, and make this Nation better and more secure.

May God grant grace and peace to the family of Jack Krings.

Kenneth J. Szalaiformer Director, NASA Dryden Flight Research Center

March 15, 2014

Dear Barbara,

Mary and I pray for God's loving hand to be on you and your family, and to assure you of His presence and grace. I am in Europe, but will be thinking of you Sunday. I will always be thinking about dear Jack.

Ken and Mary Szalai

March 15, 2014

Barbara,

Your note and eloquent eulogy brought memories flooding back. I will always remember Jack as friend and mentor; a friend and mentor who was willing to take a young guy under his wing. What I learned from him had much to do with my success in aerospace and my own relationships with younger colleagues. My only regret is that we inevitably lost touch over the years.

We miss him, too. We both wish you our best as you approach the next phase of your life.

George and Ann Mavko

March 15, 2014

Dear Barbara:Your message is most heart-wrenching. What a man Jack is, and what a mind he has … truly a larger-than-life character! I have treasured every one of the many hours I spent with him during the past 20 years, and in fact I grew to love and admire Jack like a brother. Although recently we have not spoken often, each conversation still proceeds as if the previous one occurred only yesterday.I have never met a greater patriot, nor one who has such eminently practical ideas about how to get things done well. In my opinion, our nation will not soon see another public servant who is his equal.As Jack's friend, it's clear to me that you are a very bright light in his life, and I want you to know that I am grateful for your enrichment of his life and for your care of him.Your task to inform Jack's friends is daunting, because Jack has legions of friends. People just simply enjoy being in his presence.Gayle's and my prayers are with you and Jack.Please keep me informed, and take care of yourself.Warm regards, Foster

March 15, 2014

Barb, Jack was an Icon for many of us and I always really appreciated his direct and insightful wisdom on all things related to the development of new airplanes. We met many times on F-22 and F-35 and he was one of my heroes. I will also miss him terribly and his “what are you thinking?” approach to mentoring those of us with good intentions but less than adequate scars on how to do this very complex business right. He was a true visionary and had a unique perspective on the art and science of flight testing that I don't think anyone else in my universe has. Thanks for letting him share his wonderful experiences and insight with us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we all know he's up there looking down on all of our ineptitudes with a wry smile. God Bless Jack and you and your family. Tom

March 15, 2014

Hi Barbara, I was so sorry to learn of Jack's passing.I had so many wonderful conversations with him over the years, and a couple of nice dinners and camaraderie. It was really a 'mutual admiration club'.I remember meeting him for the first time in St. Louis in 1968, as part of the first group of Israeli pilots to fly on the F-4. He impressed me with both his technical knowledge and his inimitable way of making things perfectly clear.I will miss our all-too-infrequent talks and his wonderful humour.Best regards and a big hug to you.

-- Jeff Peer

March 15, 2014

Barbara,Thank you so much for sharing Jack's obituary with us. We are so saddened by his loss. Jack was always such a gentleman and had a great sense of humor and an air of wisdom and gravitas about him. He will be greatly missed.

Jeff Pennington

March 15, 2014

Hi Barbara,Please know that all of us here at JT3 are thinking of you and Jack. He was a wonderful man, an inspiration to the leadership of JT3, and a great American. You are in our minds and our hearts. We miss him too.Alan B. Hunter

March 15, 2014

Barb:

I saw Jack as such a gentle man - Gentle Jack. The world will have a hole in it from the loss of such an accomplished, gentle and caring person. What an accomplished, amazing life. He used God's blessing of life to achieve the highest he could in life! I know as a husband - you must miss him terribly!

Best regards,

Carolyn Yurtchuk

March 15, 2014

Barbara,

I read your write up. Such an accomplished man and a very humble one! I truly enjoyed seeing Jack at our Board meetings. Always had a smile and kind words.

I know you miss him so very much. You will always have him in your heart.

Pat

March 15, 2014

Barbara, I am so very sorry for your loss. The writing and pictures truly honor and portray howmuch your husband was loved by all. My thoughts and prayers will be with you in the days ahead.Cindy Taylor

Gerry

March 15, 2014

Barb - Jack and I were the very best of friends through Flt School & I was always very proud of Jack - his feats as a test pilot and his work here in Wash. as DoD Deputy for Test & Evaluation.

I remember cutting out Christmas stockings together so our wives could decorate them and sell them to make money to buy us each a nice wool jacket - I`m the guy that got a check ride for miss-reading the new airspeed indicator on one of our T-33`s & entering the traffic pattern a cool 100 kts fast! I remember visiting him in Nagoya after my assignment there got changed to Korea. I remember the great Belt buckle work of his son & was very saddened by the early passing of his daughter who shared the name Karen with our daughter Karen.

I also remember his innovation when in T&E of "buying" Russian equipment and testing it first hand instead of spending millions building replicas.

Truly - I always thought Jack was one of the greatest guys I have known -- Barbara - -- Gerry

Kenneth Szalai

March 15, 2014

Dear Family of the Honorable John E. (Jack) Krings,

I join with you now in greatly missing this giant of a man. I never imagined a time without Jack. I never imagined that when confronted with a difficult problem, I wouldn't be able to talk to Jack and get the best and wisest solution.

Jack was a "grand master" of aviation, and understood as very few do, all of the government and industry processes that go into developing, flying, testing, producing, selling, buying, and using airplanes. He was a premier pilot and manager in the military aviation industry, directly influencing two of this country's best fighter and attack aircraft. Only a handful of the best pilots fly first flights of flagship aircraft programs. Jack was one of them.

Jack went on to be the first test 'czar' of Operational Test and Evaluation, not ruling by force, but with wisdom and persuasion. He was the foremost spokesman for the flight test community and its role in assuring that aircraft and systems handed over to the pilots performed as intended, and safely. Jack worked tirelessly for the preeminence of the United States of America in military aviation. The rest of us owe lasting gratitude to Jack for that.

Jack acted and talked with a an unmatched level of authority and wisdom. In one personal example, Jack met with a group of us at the NASA Flight Research Center as we started to develop the flight program for the X-31 at Paris. Jack said, "this is how you should fly the demonstration program at Le Bourget ..." He didn't offer options to consider, he had already worked through those in his head. He offered the right solution. We adopted it on the spot. We relied on Jack's counsel for a great many other very important things.

Jack was the consummate gentleman, with a persuasive style that was disarming. He was willing and able to engage with anyone at any level. He showed great respect to everyone, and it was sincere. Jack's clarity in word and action came from an extraordinary clarity of thought, and his drive to make things better, make people and organizations better, and make this Nation better and more secure.

May God grant His grace and peace to the family of Jack Krings.

Kenneth J. Szalaiformer Director, NASA Dryden Flight Research Center

jim matheney

March 14, 2014

Jack was a good friend and a great American.My sincere sympathy to you on his death.Jim Matheney

Linda Humphrey

March 14, 2014

We are so very sad to hear of Jack's passing. We will always remember that very special smile, intellectual wonder, knowledge on worldly subjects, and just a complete sincere gentleman with total love and admiration for his beautiful wife Barbara. Rembering so many fun times with the two of you. Barbara, our thoughts, hearts, prayers and love are with you, Linda Humphrey and Philip Hendren

March 13, 2014

Jack was a true patriot and a superb leader and strategic thinker with whom I had the pleasure to work with for 30 years. He was the ideal first Director of the Operational Test and Evaluation Office in the DOD. He was the principal OSD supporter for the introduction of Unmanned Aerial Systems in the mid 1980s and helped bring in the Air Force to the first Joint Service UAS Program Office that I had the pleasure and responsibility to establish under Navy leadership. Jack's wisdom and diplomacy and ability to bring disparate groups together was the secret of his success in so many endeavors in his life. He was always open minded and looking for new and non parochial ways to solve problems. Jack will be missed in so many ways by Barbara and his family and all of us who worked with him, respected him and cherished him as a true friend and patriot. RIP Jack. Dick Rumpf (Alexandria, VA)

John Bolino

March 13, 2014

Jack was an inspiration to me and many others. It was an honor to have known him. We have lost a Giant. I learned so much from him.

US Army Operational Test Command

March 13, 2014

The Soldiers and Civilians of the United States Army Operational Test Command send our sincere gratitude to Mr. Krings for his dedicated service to our Nation and our deepest sympathy to his Family. As the first Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, Mr. Krings set the course for operational testing that continues to serve our Soldiers and our Army well.

Agnes Ronnie Fuccello-Smith

March 13, 2014

BarbaraThinking of you and wishing your peace at this difficult time. Keeping you and your entire family in our thoughts and prayers. Such a Blessed Life with all those beautiful memories that are yours to keep forever. May God Bless Each of You Always. Love. Agnes & Ronnie

Lee Morrison Lee's Meat Market

March 13, 2014

BarbaraYou and your family are in my prayers!

Richard Wood

March 13, 2014

I did not know nor had I ever heard of Mr Krings. I just happened to read his obituary in the paper and was taken aback at what an outstanding life he led. What an amazing person. I can only offer my deepest condolences to all of his family and friends. It must have been a true honor to know such a great American.

March 13, 2014

Barbara and Family, I know you will all miss Jack greatly. He was not only a super test pilot but a friend who also made my job a lot easier at McDonnell Aircraft. Joe Dobronski

David Eichhorn

March 13, 2014

I thank Jack for his work to make systems better and for his mentorship. He was and remains a giant in T&E.

Bob Williams

March 12, 2014

Great pilot. Thanks Jack for some memorable flying and great experiences. Clear runways and clear sky's to you. Bob Williams.

Alan & Becky Rose

March 12, 2014

The world is a lesser place now. God Bless & keep you safe on your flight West dear friend! - GAR & Becky Rose

Bob Webb

March 12, 2014

Jack and I served on the Board of Texoga Technologies. His efforts to promote military use of biofuels arose from his desire to increase the safety of our military as well as his quest to promote technological progress. He will be sorely missed.

-Bob Webb

Jack Abercrombie

March 12, 2014

Jack was a great friend and a great test pilot--one of the best.

John Weaver

March 12, 2014

When you flew with Jack you knew you were flying with the best. He was true gentlman,husband and father.We will all mis him and treasure his great contributions to aviation.Sadly. John Weaver

George Smith

March 12, 2014

Jack will be missed and long-remembered by all of his colleagues and friends. Our world of defense test resources and operational testing will suffer from his absence. It was a great privilege to know him. He was a great inspiration to me over the last 25 years of his service to the Department of Defense. Fair well to my friend.

RADM Denny Wisely

March 12, 2014

I knew Jack for 50 years. I never met anyone who knew Jack that didn't love him. He was a man's man and a fighter pilot's pilot. He did it all. If you had a serious conversation on any subject, Jack would cut to the core issues and give a concise logical answer. He was the voice of reason, and one of the best who ever worked in the five sided building. Nadine and I cherish our times spent with Jack and Barbara and our hearts go out to her at this sad time. We have lost a national treasure!

RADM Denny Wisely USN Ret

March 12, 2014

Dear Barbara,Jack always left an impression on us as a great Man. We are very sorry and hope God gives you strength to endure this difficult time.Nada and Robert Diwan

Anne Leightner Kienlen

March 12, 2014

My condolences to Barbara on Jack's passing.

Clarence Jenkins

March 12, 2014

RIP Jack, you were one of the best!!

Beverly Newsom

March 12, 2014

Barbara , Gary and I thought the world of Jack. We are truly saddened by his loss and we will be there for you when you need us.Love,Beverly and Gary

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